April Updates
Somos Comunidad 2026 Blog by Marissa Calderón.
Somos Comunidad-April Updates
Greetings CPLC friends!
As we step into April, we’re reflecting on a powerful March filled with connection, culture, and community impact across our Family Empowerment programs. Each moment continues to remind us that La Cultura Cura—and that when we invest in our youth and families, we strengthen our entire community.
March Highlights
March brought meaningful opportunities for our youth and families to grow, connect, and experience something new:
La Causa Sports
Our youth had an unforgettable experience visiting the Mortgage Matchup Arena last month, where they met Phoenix Suns Guard, Devin Booker! Each youth received a new pair of DBook shoes while sharing a few moments to connect with him. Moments like this help our youth feel seen, valued, and inspired—expanding what they believe is possible for their futures. We are thankful for the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker choosing our CPLC youth for this exclusive experience they will never forget!
Central Park Community Brunch
At our Central Park location, neighbors gathered for our monthly Community Brunch—sharing food, building connections, and learning about available resources.
The CPLC Amanecer Prevention Program – Yolitia Wellness Retreat 2026
We hosted another impactful Yolitia Wellness Retreat, where teens engaged in culturally grounded healing practices, wellness activities, and prevention-focused conversations. These retreats continue to create safe spaces for youth to reconnect with themselves and their cultural identity.
Elevating Teen Mental Health
This month, I also had the opportunity to participate in an interview focused on promoting mental health awareness for teens—highlighting the importance of culturally grounded healing, prevention, and creating safe spaces for youth to process their experiences. Thank you to the ASU PR team for connecting us with the folks at GoToHealth!
🎥 Watch the interview here:
This conversation reinforces the heart of our work—ensuring that young people have access to resources, support systems, and culturally relevant pathways to healing.
Community Partner Highlight
Food Distribution Support
We were proud to welcome GeoSyntec as a new partner supporting our Wednesday food distributions this month! They helped us expand access to nutritious food for families across our community.
Learn more about our group volunteer opportunities where your team can make a direct impact. Email me at marissa.calderon@cplc.org.
Family & Community Support in Action
The Terri Cruz Family Assistance Program
Our Family Assistance team continues to provide critical support through APS and SRP utility assistance, including onsite application processing to reduce barriers and increase access for families in need. We were honored to participate in this years Arizona Standdown Event where we connected Veterans to CPLC resources including SNAP resources thru KEOGH Health Connections.
Are you behind on your APS or SRP bill? We can help! Contact us at 602-805-1666. April is filled with regional walk-in processing locations statewide.
Check locations and eligibility here.
Looking Ahead: Growing Our Impact
Every program, every meal, every connection is part of a larger vision—to create empowered, healthy, and connected communities.
Help Us Reach Our $5,000 Goal
We are currently raising $5,000 to support Youth Enrichment Programming, including after-school programs, cultural activities, wellness experiences, and field trips that open doors for our youth.
Your support helps provide:
Safe and enriching after-school spaces
Youth wellness and prevention programming
Cultural learning experiences
Access to life-changing opportunities
👉 Give today and invest in our youth: Donate Now
We believe leadership lives in our neighborhoods.
We believe (nutritious)food is a right.
We believe empowered families build empowered communities.
This is our whole-child, whole-family model in action.
Somos Comunidad. La Cultura Cura.
🧡 For more info, please visit www.cplc.org/familyempowerment to stay connected, volunteer, or make a contribution!
For ALL our monthly flyers and activities, click here.
Make sure you stay connected and subscribe to our monthly communications and don’t forget to share this with your network!
In Community,
Marissa and the Family Empowerment Team
Learn more about the Chicanos Por La Causa’s Family Empowerment Program in Arizona.
Contact Ms. Marissa Calderón, Associate Director of Family Empowerment at marissa.calderon@cplc.org.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @cplccommunitycenter